I love discovering a new place to eat and it’s even better when the surprise is sheer success. The other day I stumbled across quite an extraordinary restaurant called Dear Me. After chatting to chef Vanessa Marx, I discovered that her philosophy is not only about feeding the soul, but also about creating an awareness of what we eat.

Vanessa says she is constantly in awe of nature. Just as you get into the comfort zone of a certain season, you see the produce of the next one creeping in and start falling in love with the fresh ideas it has to offer.

I certainly did not expect what was dished up. Vanessa has created some incredibly tasty and innovative dishes. Sweet, firm figs with mozzarella, and a mushroom risotto with not a hint of butter and cream, but without an ounce of flavour lost. Some baby spinach was wilted into it and topped with a perfect poached egg, a few Parmesan shavings and a drop or three of truffle oil. The slow-roasted shoulder of lamb with quinoa was fresh and zingy.

After discovering Dear Me and the abundance of fresh produce that I have found in my new neighbourhood, I just can't wait for holiday time so I can start planting a rambling veggie garden.

Eat from the heart,

Abigail